Collapsible laundry rack

ABSTRACT

A collapsible laundry rack is provided that can be formed from a pair of collapsible legs and a plurality of cross members extending between the legs. A connector is provided between the cross members and the legs to secure the cross members relative to the legs. The connector is configured to allow for sequential assembly and disassembly of the cross members relative to the legs in order to simply assembly and disassembly operations.

FIELD

[0001] The invention relates generally to connectors for connectingcomponents of laundry and storage devices, and particularly toconnectors for connecting components of a collapsible laundry rack.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Laundry racks or drying racks typically consist of a pair of legsconnected by cross supports. The legs are formed of a plurality ofmembers in a scissor-type linkage arrangement, allowing the legs, andthus the racks, to be converted from a collapsed position to an expandedposition. In the collapsed position, the racks can be smaller in sizethan the expanded position and more readily stored. In the expandedposition, the racks can be used to hang various articles, such asclothes, over the legs and cross supports.

[0003] In one form of racks or stands, the cross supports arepermanently secured to the legs. While advantageously eliminatingassembly operations by the consumer, such racks, even in their collapsedconfigurations, can be bulky. When shipping racks from overseas,shipping costs can be higher for bulky, space consuming racks in theircollapsed states as compared to the disassembled components of theracks. The bulkiness of collapsed racks having the legs permanentlyconnected to the cross supports can also disadvantageously require anincreased amount of shelf space in stores as compared to the variouscomponents of the rack disassembled.

[0004] To reduce the bulkiness of the racks during shipping and whenplaced on a shelf in stores, the legs and cross supports of the rackshave been provided disassembled. However, assembly of these racks can bedifficult, requiring complex manipulations of the components andsometimes tools to permit assembly by the consumer or end user. Forexample, holes have been provided in the legs for receiving ends of thecross supports. The cross supports can each be inserted into the holesin a first of the pair of legs, then inserted into the holes in thesecond of the pair of legs. Due to the number of cross supports,typically three or more, insertion of the cross supports into the holesin the second of the pair of legs can be difficult, requiring that eachof the holes simultaneously be aligned with the ends of the crosssupports before any of the cross supports are inserted into the holes.

[0005] Once in the holes, a friction or interference fit can be used tomaintain the cross members in engagement with the legs. However, thefriction fits between each of the holes and cross supports can vary,potentially causing difficulties in assembly or in maintaining thecomponents assembled. Screws or other fasteners can be used to maintainthe components in an assembled state, but disadvantageously requireadditional assembly steps and sometimes the use of tools by the consumeror end user.

[0006] Laundry racks or stands are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,394,292and 6,427,858 that are formed of a pair of legs having cross supportsextending therebetween. However, complex connection mechanisms arerequired to secure the cross supports between the legs. These complexconnection mechanisms can require complicated or multiple assembly stepsby a consumer or end user, and can in some instances are formed ofmultiple parts that must be assembled. In addition, the configuration ofthese connection mechanisms appears to require simultaneous alignmentand assembly of the cross supports to one of the pair of legs.

[0007] Another problem with typical collapsible laundry racks isinadvertent shifting of the rack from an expanded configuration to acollapsed configuration. Such inadvertent shifting can be problematic,particularly when clothes or other articles are hanging are the crosssupports and can become dislodge. Moreover, the weight of the articles,such as wet or damp close, can increase the likelihood of inadvertentshifting of the rack from the expanded configuration to the collapsedconfiguration. In order to reduce the likelihood of the racks frominadvertent shifting, support members are provided to assist in keepingeach leg in its expanded position. However, inadvertent shifting of theracks from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration canstill occur.

SUMMARY

[0008] A method and apparatus are provided for an improved laundry rackthat allows for simplified assembly and disassembly. The laundry rack isconvertible between an expanded position for use as a drying rack orstand and a collapsed position for storage. The laundry rack generallyincludes a pair of legs having cross members extending therebetween.Each of the legs generally comprises one or more scissor-type linkagesthat are pivotable between an expanded position and a collapsedposition, corresponding to the expanded and collapsed positions of therack. The cross members are connected to the legs with connectors. Theconnectors are configured to allow for simplified assembly of the crossmembers to the legs by allowing for the spacing between the legs to bemaintained during connection of the cross members after a first crossmember has been connected. The connectors also are configured to providefor simplified assembly and disassembly of the rack by allowing thecross members to be connected and disconnected relative to the legs in asequential, as opposed to simultaneous, manner. In addition, thecomponents of the rack are provided in a disassembled state such thatminimal assembly steps are required to be performed by a consumer or enduser. Thus, the configuration of the connectors allows for thecomponents to be packaged in a compact, yet easy to assemblyarrangement, such that shipping costs are minimized, minimal shelf spaceis occupied in stores, and assembly by the end user is simplified.

[0009] In one aspect, the collapsible laundry rack comprises a pair oflegs spaced a predetermined distance apart. Each of the legs comprises aplurality of linkage members configured in a scissor linkagearrangement. A plurality of connector sockets are attached to each ofthe pair of collapsible legs. The connector sockets on one of the pairof collapsible legs are aligned with the connector sockets on the otherof the pair of collapsible legs. A plurality of cross members extendbetween the pair of collapsible legs. Each of the cross members has aconnector tab secured to ends thereof. The connector tabs areselectively insertable into the aligned connector sockets on thecollapsible legs while the legs are spaced the predetermined distanceapart to secure and unsecure the cross members relative to thecollapsible legs. The connectors of the laundry rack may be configuredsuch that at least one of the cross members can be selectively insertedand/or removed from between the pair of legs without disengaging anotherof the cross members maintaining the predetermined distance between thepair of legs.

[0010] The connector socket may be generally U-shaped, having a pocketconfigured for receiving the connector tab. The pocket may be defined bya pair of opposing end walls and at least one side wall connecting thefirst and second end walls. One of the end walls may be secured to oneof the pair of the collapsible legs. The other of the end walls may bepositioned to face the opposing leg of the pair of collapsible legs, andmay have a first opening formed therein. The first opening may be sizedlarger than a cross section of the cross member to allow the crossmember to pass therethrough and smaller than a cross section of theconnector tab to prevent the connector tab from passing therethrough.Thus, the end wall facing the opposite leg at least partially restrainsthe connector tab between the pair of opposing end walls and in thepocket, reducing inadvertent removal of the connector tab from thepocket of the connector socket. The side wall may define the secondopening, which may be sized to allow for the connector tab to beinserted therethrough and positioned between the opposing end walls.

[0011] The plurality of members configured in a scissor linkagearrangement of the legs may further comprise at least a pair of memberspivotally connected between ends thereof by a pin. The pair of membersmay be connected by the pin proximate their midsections. Adjacentmembers of adjacent linkages may also be connected by pins. The pins mayalso be used to secure the connector sockets to the legs.

[0012] The rack may include at least one scissor-type linkage forming atleast part of each of the legs. Each of the linkages may have a pair ofmembers being pivotally connected between their ends to convert thelaundry rack between an expanded position and a collapsed position. Thelinkages may be in a generally X-type configuration when in theirexpanded position, where the members of the linkage are in a generallyperpendicular orientation. The linkages may have their members generallyparallel when in the collapsed position, thereby reducing the amount ofspace occupied by the legs and thus the rack.

[0013] One of the cross members may extend between ends of one of thelinkage members of each of the linkages of the legs. A support arm maybe pivotally attached to an end of the members of at least one of thelinkages. The linkage member having a support arm attached may bedifferent than a linkage member having the cross member attached. Thesupport arm is pivotable between a configuration allowing the linkage toshift to the collapsed position and a configuration maintaining thelinkage in the expanded position by engagement between an end of thesupport arm opposite the pivot and the cross member to maintain apredetermined spacing between the pair of linkage members forming thelinkage.

[0014] A clasp may be provided and pivotally connected to an end of thesupport arm opposite the end pivotally connected to the leg. The claspmay be pivotable between a locking position securing the support arm tothe cross member for securing the leg linkage, and thus the rack, in theexpanded position.

[0015] In another aspect, a collapsible laundry rack convertible betweenan expanded position and a collapsed position is provided. The laundryrack includes a pair of collapsible legs, each having a plurality ofmembers configured in a scissor linkage arrangement. A plurality ofconnector sockets are attached to each of the pair of collapsible legs,and connector sockets on one of the legs may be aligned with acorresponding connector socket on the other of the legs. Each connectorsocket has a first opening facing the opposing connector socket on theother of the pair of legs and a second opening. The connector sockets onone of the pair of collapsible legs are aligned with the connectorsockets on the other of the pair of collapsible legs. A plurality ofcross members extend between the pair of collapsible legs. Each of thecross members has a pair of connector tabs at opposite ends thereof.Each of the connector tabs is insertable into the aligned connectorsockets on the collapsible legs through the second openings of thesockets to position the cross member through the first openings of thesockets to selectively secure the cross members to the collapsible legs.

[0016] At least one of the cross members has the connection tabsselectively removable and insertable from the connection sockets betweenthe pair of legs without disengaging the connection tabs of another ofthe cross members from the connection sockets between the pair of legs,thereby permitting sequential connection of each of the cross members tothe pair of legs independent of the other cross members.

[0017] In another aspect, the collapsible laundry rack is convertiblebetween an expanded position and a collapsed position, and a support armis provided to maintain the laundry rack in the expanded position. Thelaundry rack comprises a pair of collapsible legs. Each of the legscomprises a plurality of members configured in a scissor linkagearrangement. Each of the pair of legs may have a first and second uppermembers each having upper ends spaced a distance apart. A plurality ofcross members are provided that extend between a pair of collapsiblelegs. One of the cross members extends between the upper ends of thefirst of the upper members. A support arm is pivotally attached at oneend to the upper end of one of the second upper members. The support armis pivotable between a configuration allowing the pair of collapsiblelegs to shift to the collapsed position and a configuration maintainingthe pair of collapsible legs in the expanded position. A clasp isconnected to an end of a support arm opposite the end pivotallyconnected to the second upper member. The clasp is pivotable between alocking position at least partially around one of the cross members whenthe support arm is in a configuration securing the pair of collapsiblelegs in the expanded configuration to secure the support arm relative tothe one of the cross members.

[0018] The end of a support arm having the clasp pivotally attached mayhave a notched formed therein for at least partially receiving one ofthe cross members extending between the upper ends of the first uppermembers. The notch may generally be U-shaped, and may generally beinclined at an angle. The clasp may be generally C-shaped and may beconfigured to retain the one of the cross members in the notch when inthe locking position.

[0019] A method of assembling a collapsible laundry rack from a set ofcomponents is also provided. The components may comprise a pair ofcollapsible legs each having a plurality of members configured in ascissor linkage arrangement, a plurality of connector sockets attachedto each of the pair of collapsible legs, the sockets one of the pair ofcollapsible legs being aligned with the connector sockets on the otherof the pair of collapsible legs, a plurality of cross members, andconnector tabs positioned on each of the ends of the cross members andremovably insertable into the aligned connector sockets on thecollapsible legs to selectively secure the cross members to thecollapsible legs. The method may include spacing the pair of collapsiblelegs a predetermined distance apart by inserting the tabs of a first oneof the plurality of cross members into a pair of aligned connectorsockets attached to the pair of collapsible legs. The method may furtherinclude the step of inserting the tabs of at least a second one of theplurality of cross members into a pair of aligned connector socketsattached to the pair of collapsible legs while the collapsible legs arespaced the predetermined distance apart by the first one of theplurality of cross members. The components may be provided such that theonly assembly steps that may be required of a consumer or other end useris connecting each of the cross members to the legs using connectionsthat are already provided on the cross members and/or the legs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020]FIG. 1 is a perspective view a laundry rack in accordance with anembodiment thereof, showing the laundry rack in an expanded position;

[0021]FIG. 2 is an elevation view of a leg of the laundry rack of FIG.1, showing the leg in an expanded position;

[0022]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the laundry rack of FIG. 1,showing the laundry rack in a collapsed position;

[0023]FIG. 4 is an elevation view of a connector socket on one of thelegs of the laundry rack of FIG. 1;

[0024]FIG. 5 is a plan view of the connector socket of FIG. 4;

[0025]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a top rack of the laundry rack ofFIG. 1, showing the top rack in an unsecured position;

[0026]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the top rack of the laundry rackof FIG. 1, showing the top rack in a secured position;

[0027]FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a support arm of the top rackof the laundry rack of FIG. 1, showing the support arm unsecuredrelative to a cross member;

[0028]FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the support arm of the toprack of the laundry rack of FIG. 1, showing the support arm securedrelative to the cross member; and

[0029]FIG. 10 is a plan view of components of the laundry rack of FIG. 1is a disassembled configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The laundry rack 5 is preferably embodied in a collapsible rack 5having a pair of legs 10 connected by cross members 20. The connectionsbetween the cross members 20 and legs 10 are configured for simplifiedassembly and disassembly. Preferred embodiments of the laundry rack 5,wherein connections are provided between the cross members 20 and thelegs 10 to permit simplified assembly and disassembly, are disclosedbelow. FIGS. 1-10 illustrate a laundry rack 5 having connections betweencross members 20 and legs 10 that promote simplified assembly anddisassembly of the components. These components include a pair of legs10 connected by cross members 20, as shown in FIG. 1. In the illustratedembodiment, the legs 10 are vertically extending and the cross members20 are horizontally extending between the legs 10.

[0031] The drying rack 5 is shiftable between a collapsed position, asshown in FIG. 3, and an expanded or upright position as shown in FIG. 1.The collapsed position allows for simplified storage of the drying rack5, as it can take up less space than the expanded configuration. Theexpanded configuration, however, is configured to allow for articles,such as clothes, to be hung from the cross members 20 of the rack 5 fordrying or other purposes. The cross members 20 are provided at varyingheights along the legs 10 in order to provide multiple positions forarticles to be supported. For example, the drying rack 5 illustrated inFIG. 1 has six different elevations of cross members 20 that allow forarticles of clothing to be hung therefrom.

[0032] Each of the legs 10 is convertible between a collapsed positionand an extended position, the later of which is shown in FIG. 2. Whenthe laundry rack 5 is in the collapsed position, each of the legs 10 isalso in the collapsed position. Similarly, when each of the legs 10 isin the expanded position, the laundry rack 5 is in its expandedposition. The laundry rack 5 includes a top rack portion 30 that ispivotable relative to the legs 10. The top rack portion 30 can bepivoted into a generally horizontal configuration, as shown in FIG. 7,whereby support arms 32 can secure the laundry rack 5 in its expandedposition, as will be described in greater detail hereinbelow. When thetop rack 30 is pivoted away from its horizontal position, as shown inFIG. 6, the laundry rack 5 is able to shift to its collapsed positionfrom its expanded position.

[0033] Each of the legs 10 is formed from a plurality of linkages 12, asshown in FIG. 2. Each of the linkages 12, in turn, is formed from a pairof linkage members 14. Each of the linkage members 14 is attachedapproximate its midpoint to another of the linkage members 14 formingthe linkages 12 about a central pivot pin 16. When the linkages 12 areassembled, each has an inner linkage member 14 facing the opposing leg10 and an outer linkage member 14 facing away from the opposing leg 10.

[0034] In the expanded position of the laundry rack 5, the linkagemembers 14 of a linkage 12 are in an essentially perpendicularorientation, forming a generally X-type configuration, as shown in FIG.2. When the linkages 12 are in their collapsed configurationcorresponding to the collapsed configuration of the laundry rack 5, thelinkage members 14 of each linkage 12 are pivoted about the centralpivot pin 16 of their midsections into a generally parallelconfiguration, as shown in FIG. 10. Ends of the linkages 14 arepivotably connected via pivot pins 18 to ends of adjacent linkages 12.More particularly, the ends of a pair of linkages members 14 forming alinkage 12 may be pivotably connected via the linkage pivot pins 18 toends of linkage members 14 of an adjacent linkage 12. Multiple linkages12 may then be connected to each other. When the laundry rack 5 is inits expanded state, the adjacent linkages 12 and more particularly theadjacent linkage members 14 of each linkage 12 are in a generallyperpendicular relationship about the pivot pins 18. However, whenshifted to the collapsed position, the linkage members 14 of adjacentlinkages 12 are shifted about their pivot pins 18 to a generallyparallel relationship. The assembly of each linkage 12 provides for ascissor-type linkage arrangement. As shown in FIG. 2, three linkages 12form each leg 10, where each linkage 12 has two linkage members 14.However, other numbers of linkages 12 may also be used in accordancewith the laundry rack 5.

[0035] Connectors 40 are provided on each of the legs 10 and alignedwith connectors 40 on opposing legs 10 in order to allow for connectionof cross members 20 between the legs 10 to form the drying rack 5. Theconnection between the cross members 20 and the legs 10 comprises atwo-part connector. The first part of the connector is a connectionsocket 40 that is attachable to the legs 10. The second part of theconnectors is a connection tab 50 that is provided on each end of eachof the cross members 20. The connectors are configure such that thecross members 20 can be selectively inserted into and removed fromengagement with the legs 10 while the legs 10 are maintained arepredetermined distance apart. For example, when assembling the laundryrack 5, one of the cross members 20 can be connected to each of the legs10 of the rack 5 to thereby maintain each leg 10 of the drying rack 5 apredetermined distance apart from the other leg. Subsequent crossmembers 20 can be inserted between the legs 10 and engaged via theconnectors without changing the predetermined distance spacing the legs10 apart. Such an assembly method advantageously allows for the crossmembers 20 to be connected to each of the legs 10 in a sequentialmanner. That is, a first of the cross members 20 can be positionedbetween the first and second legs 10. Then, subsequent cross members 20can be positioned between the legs 10.

[0036] The connector socket 40 that is attached to the legs 10 of thelaundry rack 5 has two openings 47 and 48. A first opening 48 allows forinsertion of the connector tabs 50 attached to the ends of the crossmembers 20. The second opening 47 of the connector socket allows for thecross member 20 to extend from within the connector socket 40 when theconnector tab 50 is inserted through the first opening 48 thereof. Thefirst opening 48 of the connector socket 40 is positioned to allow forinsertion of the connector tab 50 of the cross member 20 withoutchanging the predetermined spacing between the legs 10 of the laundryrack 5.

[0037] Turning to more of the details of the connector socket 40, theconnector socket 40 is generally U-shaped, as shown in FIG. 4. Theconnector socket 40 has a pocket, as shown in FIG. 5, for receiving theconnector tab 50 through the first opening 48. The pocket is defined bya pair of end walls 42 and 44 spaced apart by a side wall 46. One of theend walls 42 is positioned adjacent the support arm 32 or leg 10. Theother of the end walls 44 faces the opposing connector socket 40 on theopposite leg 10. The other of the walls 44, facing the opposite leg, hasthe second opening 47 formed therein. The second opening 47 isconfigured to be larger than the cross section of the cross member 20 toallow the cross member 20 to be inserted therethrough. The secondopening 47, however, is also sized to be smaller than a cross section ofthe connector tab 50 in order to prevent the connector tab 50 frompassing therethrough. In this manner, the connector tab 50 is held inthe pocket of the connector socket 40 by the end wall 44 facing theopposing leg 10. The first opening 48 of the connector socket 40 issized to allow for the connector tab 50 to pass therethrough to allowfor insertion and removal of the connector tab 50 and thus the crossmember 20. A depression 41 may be formed in the end wall 42 adjacent theleg 10 or support arm 32 in order to provide clearance between theconnector tab 50 when inserted in the pocket and a pin or pivot 60securing the connector socket 40 relative to the leg 10. While each ofthe pins 60 secures the connection socket 50 relative to the support arm32 or linkage member 14, some of the pins 60, when also extendingbetween linkage members 14 of a linkage 12, may comprise pins 16 and 18.By using some of the pivot pins 16 and 18 to secure the connectionsockets 40 to the legs and/or support arms 32, the number of separatepieces required to form the rack 5 can be reduced.

[0038] As discussed above, the support arms 32 of the top rack portion30 of the rack 5 may be pivoted between a position preventing the rack 5from collapsing and a position allowing the rack 5 to collapse. Each ofthe support arms 32 is pivotably attached at one end to an upper end ofa linkage element 14 of an uppermost linkage 12 of the leg 10, as shownin FIG. 6. The other end of the support arm 32 has a notch 34 configuredto at least partially be placed around a cross member 22 extendingbetween another linkage member 14 of the uppermost linkage 12 of the leg10. When the notch 34 of the support arm 32 is placed over the crossmember 22, the linkage elements 14 of the uppermost linkage 12 areprevented from collapsing, and thus the rack 5 is maintained in itsexpanded configuration.

[0039] To prevent inadvertent removal of the support arm 32 from thecross member 22, a clasp 36 can be secured around the cross member 22.The clasp 36 is pivotably connected to the support arm 32 via a pivotpin or screw 38. If a screw is used, it can be tightened to maintain theclasp 36 is a predetermined orientation. The clasp 36 can be rotatedfrom a open position, shown in FIG. 8, to a closed position, shown inFIG. 9. In the open position, the cross member 22 can be inserted intothe notch 34 of the support arm 32. In the closed position, a C-shapedportion 37 of the clasp 36 can surround a portion of the cross member 22not surrounded by the notch 34, thereby securing the cross member 22between the notch 34 and the clasp 36 to prevent inadvertent removal ofthe cross member 22 from within the notch 34 and collapsing of the rack5.

[0040] While the openings 48 of the connection sockets 40 can generallybe positioned in any direction, it is preferably that most arepositioned such that a downward force, such as due to the weight of anarticle, on the cross member 22 secured via the connection tab 50 willnot cause the connection tab 50 to dislodge from the pocket of thesocket 40. However, the ones of the connection sockets 50 attached tothe uppermost linkages 12 and on the linkage members 14 opposite thelinkage members 14 having the support arms 32 connected theretopreferably have openings 48 facing in a generally downward direction.When the rack 5 is heavily weighted with articles, the ends of theuppermost linkage members 14 on each leg 10 tend to want to shift towardtheir collapsed configurations. Having the openings 48 facing in anopposite direction can prevent the connection tab 50 of cross member 22from inadvertently becoming dislodged from the pocket of the socket 50.To assist in retaining the uppermost linkages 12 in their expandedpositions, and the cross member 22 in the notches 34 of the support arms32, the notches 34 may be inclined in a direction such that the linkageforces toward the collapsed configuration of the linkages 12 urges thecross member 22 at an angle into the notch 34.

[0041] The tab 50 may comprise a circular disc, as shown in FIG. 10,that is attached on each end of the cross member 20. In a preferredembodiment, the tab 50 comprises a circular disc having a stem. The stemis insertable into a hollow end of the cross member 20. The cross member20 can be crimped around the stem of the connector tab 50 in order tosecure the connector tab 50 relative to the cross member 20. The disc onthe end of the connection tab 50 is preferably sized larger than thecross section of the cross member 20, while the stem is preferably sizedsmaller than the interior diameter of the cross member 20. In thismanner, the stem can readily be inserted into the cross member 20 andthe cross member 20 secured to the stem while the disc remains externalto the cross member 20 and positioned for engagement within the pocketof the connector socket 40.

[0042] The components of the laundry rack or stand 5 may be provided ina disassembled configuration suitable for packaging in a state having areduced size as compared to the rack in its collapsed state. Such astate advantageously can reduce shipping costs by minimizing the volumeoccupied by the components as compared to the volume occupied by therack in its collapsed state. Similarly, such a state can alsoadvantageously reduce the amount of shelf space in a store occupied bythe rack. The disassembled configuration, as shown in FIG. 10, comprisestwo basic components, the legs 10 and the cross members 20. Theconnection tabs 50 and the connection sockets 40 are preferably suppliedpreattached to the cross members 20 and legs 10, respectively. Inaddition, the support arms 32 are preattached to the legs 10. Thus, theonly assembly steps required of the consumer or other end user areinsertion of the connection tabs 50 of the cross members 20 into theconnection sockets 40 of the legs 10. The connection tabs and sockets 50and 40 are preferably sized such that, when mated, a secure connectionis provided that resists inadvertent disconnection while allowingintentional disconnection upon application of a suitable amount offorce. Preferably, no tools or other components are required to securethe connection between the cross members 20 and the legs 10.

[0043] Three different lengths of cross members 20 are provided, asillustrated in FIG. 10. The three shortest cross members 23 are sized toextend between the support arms 32 to form the top rack portion 30. Theeight middle-length cross members 24 are sized to extend between theinner linkage members 14 of the legs 10. The single longest cross member22 is sized to extend between the outer linkage members 14 of the legsproximate the upper end of the rack 5 and is the cross member 22 towhich the support arms 32 of the upper rack portion 30 are engageable.

[0044] The cross members 20, support arms 32, and legs 10 are preferablyformed of metal, and are preferably hollow. The various pivot pins andconnecting pins are also preferably metal. The connection tabs 50 andconnection sockets 40 are preferably formed of plastic. Plastic end capsmay also be provided and inserted into exposed hollow ends of the crossmembers 20, support arms 32, and legs 10. However, other materials canalso be used. For example, the cross members 20, support arms 32, and/orlegs 10 may be formed of solid wood, solid plastic, or hollow plasticmaterials.

[0045] The rack 5 in its expanded position is preferably between about36 and 48 inches tall, between about 12 and 16 inches wide, and betweenabout 24 and 36 inches long. In its collapsed position or configuration,the rack 5 is preferably between about 3 and 5 inches high, betweenabout 18 and 22 inches wide, and between about 24 and 36 inches long.Each of the linkage members 14 of the legs 10 is preferably betweenabout 16 and 24 inches in length, and more preferably about 20 inches inlength. The shortest cross members 23 are preferably between about 24and 27 inches in length, and are more preferably about 25.5 inches inlength. The medium-sized cross members 24 are preferably between about25 and 28 inches in length, and are more preferably about 26.5 inches inlength. The longest cross member 22 is preferably between about 26 and29 inches in length, and are more preferably about 27.5 inches inlength. The cross members 20 preferably have a diameter of between about0.4 and 0.5 inches. The connection tabs 30 preferably have a diameter ofabout 0.7 inches, and a thickness of about 0.1 inches. The pockets ofthe connection sockets 40 are sized to accommodate insertion and removalof the connection tabs 50.

[0046] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that an improvedconnection for components of a rack are provided providing forsimplified assembly by allowing for sequential assembly of components asopposed to simultaneous assembly, reducing the number of assembly stepsto be performed by an end user, and allowing for the volume occupied bythe components to be minimized, such as during shipping and display onshelves in a store. The inventions are not limited to the embodimentsdescribed hereinabove or to any particular embodiments. Variousmodifications to the aforementioned construction, component materials,and component dimensions will result in substantially the sameinventions. For instance the connections for components described hereinare not limited to use on laundry racks, but can be used for thesimplified joining of components of other devices and items.

[0047] The inventions are defined more particularly by the followingclaims:

1. A collapsible laundry rack convertible between an expanded positionand a collapsed position, the rack comprising: a pair of collapsiblelegs spaced a predetermined distance apart, each of the legs comprisinga plurality of members configured in a scissor linkage arrangement; aplurality of connector sockets attached to each of the pair ofcollapsible legs, the connector sockets on one of the pair ofcollapsible legs being aligned with the connector sockets on the otherof the pair of collapsible legs; and a plurality of cross membersextending between the pair of collapsible legs, each of the crossmembers having a connector tab insertable into the aligned connectorsockets on the collapsible legs while the legs are spaced thepredetermined distance apart to selectively secure the cross members tothe collapsible legs.
 2. A collapsible laundry rack in accordance withclaim 1, wherein the connector sockets each have a first opening facingthe opposing connector socket on the other of the pair of legs and asecond opening, the second opening being configured to receive theconnector tab to position the cross member through the first opening ofthe socket to selectively secure the cross member relative to thecollapsible leg.
 3. A collapsible laundry rack in accordance with claim2, wherein the connector socket is generally U-shaped.
 4. A collapsiblelaundry rack in accordance with claim 2, wherein the connector socketseach have a pocket configured for receiving the connector tab, thepocket being defined by a pair of opposing end walls and at least onesidewall connecting the end walls, one of the end walls being securedadjacent one of the pair of collapsible legs, the other of the end wallsbeing positioned to face the other of the pair of collapsible legs andhaving the first opening formed therein.
 5. A collapsible laundry rackin accordance with claim 4, wherein the first opening is sized largerthan a cross section of the cross member to allow the cross member topass therethrough and smaller than a cross section of the connector tabto prevent the connector tab from passing therethrough in order toretain the connector tab between the pair of opposing end walls.
 6. Acollapsible laundry rack in accordance with claim 5, wherein thesidewall defines the second opening, the second opening being sized toallow for the connector tab to be inserted therethrough and positionedbetween the opposing end walls.
 7. A collapsible laundry rack inaccordance with claim 3, wherein the plurality of members configured ina scissor linkage arrangement of the legs further comprises at least apair of members pivotably connected between ends thereof by a pin, thepin securing the one of the end walls of at least one of the connectorsockets adjacent the one of the pair of collapsible legs relative to thepair of members.
 8. A collapsible laundry rack in accordance with claim1, further comprising: at least one linkage forming at least part ofeach of the legs, each of the linkages having a pair of members beingpivotably connected between their ends to convert the laundry rackbetween a expanded position and a collapsed position; one of the crossmembers extending between ends of one of the members of each of thelinkages of the legs; a support arm having first and second ends, thefirst end being pivotably attached to an end of one of the members of atleast one of the linkages, the member having the support arm attachedbeing different than the member having the cross member, the support armbeing pivotable between a configuration allowing the linkages to shiftto the collapsed position and a configuration maintaining the linkage inthe expanded position by engagement of the second end of the support armand the cross member to maintain a predetermined spacing between thepair of members forming the linkages of the legs; and a clasp pivotablyconnected to the second end of the support arm, the clasp beingpivotable between a locking position securing the support arm to thecross member when the support arm is in the configuration securing thepair of collapsible legs in the expanded configuration.
 9. A collapsiblelaundry rack in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least one of thecross members can be selectively inserted and removed from between thepair of legs without disengaging another of the cross membersmaintaining the predetermined distance between the pair of legs.
 10. Acollapsible laundry rack convertible between an expanded position and acollapsed position, the rack comprising: a pair of collapsible legs,each of the legs comprising a plurality of members configured in ascissor linkage arrangement; a plurality of connector sockets attachedto each of the pair of collapsible legs, each connector socket having afirst opening facing the opposing connector socket on the other of thepair of legs and a second opening, and the connector sockets on one ofthe pair of collapsible legs being aligned with the connector sockets onthe other of the pair of collapsible legs; and a plurality of crossmembers extending between the pair of collapsible legs, each of thecross members having a pair of connector tabs at opposite ends thereof,each of the connector tabs being insertable into the aligned connectorsockets on the collapsible legs through the second openings of thesockets to position the cross member through the first openings of thesockets to selectively secure the cross members to the collapsible legs.11. A collapsible laundry rack in accordance with claim 9, wherein atleast one of the cross members has the connection tabs selectivelyremovable and insertable from the connection sockets between the pair oflegs without disengaging the connection tabs of another of the crossmembers from the connection sockets between the pair of legs.
 12. Acollapsible laundry rack in accordance with claim 10, wherein theconnector sockets each have a pocket configured for receiving theconnector tab, the pocket being defined by a pair of opposing end wallsand at least one sidewall connecting the first and second walls, one ofthe end walls being secured adjacent one of the pair of collapsiblelegs, the other of the end walls being positioned to face the other ofthe pair of collapsible legs and having the first opening formedtherein.
 13. A collapsible laundry rack in accordance with claim 12,wherein the first opening is sized larger than a cross section of thecross member to allow the cross member to pass therethrough and smallerthan a cross section of the connector tab to prevent the connector tabfrom passing therethrough in order to retain the connector tab betweenthe pair of opposing end walls.
 14. A collapsible laundry rack inaccordance with claim 13, wherein the sidewall defines the secondopening, the second opening being sized to allow for the connector tabto be inserted therethrough and positioned between the opposing endwalls.
 15. A collapsible laundry rack in accordance with claim 10,further comprising: at least one linkage forming at least part of eachof the legs, each of the linkages having a pair of members beingpivotably connected between their ends to convert the laundry rackbetween a expanded position and a collapsed position; one of the crossmembers extending between ends of one of the members of each of thelinkages of the legs; a support arm having first and second ends, thefirst end being pivotably attached to an end of one of the members of atleast one of the linkages, the member having the support arm attachedbeing different than the member having the cross member, the support armbeing pivotable between a configuration allowing the linkages to shiftto the collapsed position and a configuration maintaining the linkage inthe expanded position by engagement of the second end of the support armand the cross member to maintain a predetermined spacing between thepair of members forming the linkages of the legs; and a clasp pivotablyconnected to the second end of the support arm, the clasp beingpivotable between a locking position securing the support arm to thecross member when the support arm is in the configuration securing thepair of collapsible legs in the expanded configuration.
 16. Acollapsible laundry rack convertible between an expanded position and acollapsed position, the rack comprising: a pair of collapsible legs,each of the legs comprising a plurality of members configured in ascissor linkage arrangement, each of the pair of legs having first andsecond upper members having upper ends spaced a distance apart; aplurality of cross members extending between the pair of collapsiblelegs, and one of the cross members extending between the upper ends ofthe first upper members; a support arm pivotably attached at one end tothe upper end of one of the second upper members, the support arm beingpivotable between a configuration allowing the pair of collapsible legsto shift to the collapsed position and a configuration maintaining thepair of collapsible legs in the expanded position; and a clasp pivotablyconnected to an end of the support arm opposite the end pivotablyconnected to the second upper member, the clasp being pivotable betweena locking position at least partially around the one of the crossmembers when the support arm is in the configuration securing the pairof collapsible legs in the expanded configuration to secure the supportarm relative to the one of the cross members.
 17. A collapsible laundryrack in accordance with claim 16, wherein the end of the support armhaving the clasp pivotably attached has a notch formed therein for atleast partially receiving the one of the cross members extending betweenthe upper ends of the first upper members.
 18. A collapsible laundryrack in accordance with claim 17, wherein the notch is generallyU-shaped and is inclined at an angle.
 19. A collapsible laundry rack inaccordance with claim 18, wherein the clasp is generally C-shaped and isconfigured to retain the one of the cross members in the notch when inthe locking position.
 20. A method of assembling a collapsible laundryrack from a set of components, the components comprising a pair ofcollapsible legs each having a plurality of members configured in ascissor linkage arrangement, a plurality of connector sockets attachedto each of the pair of collapsible legs, the connector sockets on one ofthe pair of collapsible legs being aligned with the connector sockets onthe other of the pair of collapsible legs, a plurality of cross members,and a connector tab positioned on each of the ends of the cross membersremovably insertable into the aligned connector sockets on thecollapsible legs to selectively secure the cross members to thecollapsible legs, the method comprising: spacing the pair of collapsiblelegs a predetermined distance apart by inserting the tabs of a first oneof the plurality of cross members into a pair of aligned connectorsockets attached to the pair of collapsible legs; and inserting the tabsof at least a second one of the plurality of cross members into a pairof aligned connector sockets attached to the pair of collapsible legswhile the collapsible legs are spaced the predetermined distance apart.